Home/Research/ SpaceX to reattempt launch of first U.S. national security space mission

SpaceX to reattempt launch of first U.S. national security space mission

Wilma Wheeler |Wednesday, December 26, 2018

SpaceX launch scrubbed for fourth time; next try Sunday

This marks the US-based aerospace company's first USA national security mission to date.

The first advanced, next-generation "GPS III" satellite soared into space today (Dec. 23) atop a two-stage SpaceXFalcon 9 rocket, which launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 8:51 a.m. EST (1351 GMT) after almost a week of delays. It is three times more accurate than the previous system and up to eight times stronger in its anti-jamming capability.

The hardware sent to orbit by Elon Musk's space cargo hauling company is now one of 31 operational GPS satellites used by the Air Force to deliver info about positioning, navigation, and timing to both its own and allied forces operating around the world.

Because of mission requirements, SpaceX did not attempt to retrieve the reusable Falcon 9's first stage after launch, according to SpaceX.

It took five tries, working through technical issues, severe weather and even the pressure of a vice presidential visit until, finally, a rocket cut through clear skies Sunday on the way to space.

The rocket blasted off from Space Launch Complex 4 at the air force base at 10:34 a.m. PST (1834 GMT).

Hawthorne, California-based SpaceX's valuation has climbed as it has racked up successful missions, making it the third-most valuable venture-backed start-up in the USA after Uber Technologies and Airbnb.

The next satellite is due to launch in mid-2019.

It is the first in a series, nicknamed Vespucci after the 15th-century Italian explorer who calculated Earth's circumference to within 80 kilometres. The launch had been rescheduled earlier in the week because of the weather.

This morning's launch was originally scheduled to occur on Tuesday (Dec. 18), but SpaceX called off that attempt after receiving an "out of family" reading from sensors on the Falcon 9's first stage.

The company stated that this very launch was the 21st as well as the final year of the launch.

News Shopper wishes you all a very merry Christmas
However, Jingle bells are one of the most loved and favourite songs and on this day, the stories of Santa Claus always attract us. To the first responders, and their families, who are the only people I know that run to trouble and not from it, thank you.

US Treasury Chief Convenes Calls With Top US Bankers
Still, some market veterans argue that a panicky Wall Street is prematurely pricing in a recession that may not hit until 2020. Meanwhile, Monday will mark day three of a partial federal government shutdown with no immediate end in sight.

Ghosn detention extended by 10 days
In addition, he is said to have enriched themselves personally in the company's capital of the vehicle manufacturer Nissan. His original November 19 arrest for alleged financial misconduct sent shockwaves through the business world.

KGF sensational run at United States box office
Billed as the most expensive film of SRK's career, the film has found an unlikely challenger in the Kannada film, KGF . Yash starrer film KGF has made a reasonable amount of money in its Hindi version with good growth over the weekend.

Militants attack Libyan Foreign Ministry
The group took control of the coastal city of Sirte in 2015 but lost it late in 2016 to local forces backed by USA airstrikes. Heavy smoke rose from the building which was surrounded by security forces as wounded people were rushed to hospital.